7 Trending Destinations to Put on Your Radar

TripAdvisor just released the top attractions in the U.S.

If you’re in the middle of planning your next vacation and are looking for some new and unique places, you might want to keep these ideas in mind. TripAdvisor just released a list of the top 25 trending destinations in the U.S., pulled from search traffic data on its site. According to the travel site, these attractions have seen the greatest increase in interest this summer compared to last year. Of course, New York City’s Broadway district, Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, and Orlando’s new Disney Springs shopping and dining center made the list, but take a look at some of the more nontraditional attractions below. You can see the full list here.

1

Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Photo by Courtesy of TripAdvisor

Number three on the list, this attraction is free and the perfect road trip pit stop—it had a 112.5% increase in searches since last year. Stop here for views of the Great Smoky Mountains and downtown Gatlinburg.

2

Mount Bonnell in Austin, Texas

Photo by Courtesy of TripAdvisor

After consuming Austin’s famous tacos and barbecue, hit the hiking trail at this park for stunning views of Texas’s capital city. Admission is free.

3

Watkins Glen State Park in Watkins Glen, New York

Photo by Courtesy of TripAdvisor

Located about four to five hours outside of New York City, this park in the Finger Lakes region has it all for hiking enthusiasts—there are 19 waterfalls and plenty of secluded, beautiful spots. Did we mention that there are plenty of wineries nearby for some after-hike tastings?

4

Union Station in Denver, Colorado

Photo by Courtesy of TripAdvisor

You don’t have to be a train passenger in order to visit this station—there’s plenty to do, eat, and see at this recently renovated transportation hub in downtown Denver. There’s also a luxury hotel, with the hotel lobby on the ground level and the rooms in the terminal’s upper levels.

5

The Grotto—National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother in Portland, Oregon

Photo by Courtesy of TripAdvisor

If you’re looking for peace and quiet, head to this sanctuary and botanical garden. You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the beautiful grounds. The upper garden level admission fee ranges from $3 to $6 per person.

6

The Gondola at Heavenly in South Lake Tahoe, California

Photo by Courtesy of TripAdvisor

Marvel at views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains from a glass pod. The gondolas drop off visitors at the summit of Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort. Tickets are $22 for kids and $46 for adults.

7

Warner Brothers Studio Tour Hollywood in Burbank, California

Photo by Courtesy of TripAdvisor

When in Hollywood, why not visit a working studio? This tour takes visitors on the sets and sound stages of some popular TV shows and movies. We like to think that the increase in interest is due, in large part, to the upcoming Gilmore Girlsrevival since many fans flocked to the backlot to try to get a glimpse of filming.